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Research: WHITE-MARKHAM and WILKINSON,
Listed in Issue 102
Abstract
WHITE-MARKHAM and WILKINSON, William Osler Health Centre, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, andrea_white-markham@oslerhc.org, have reviewed (43 references) complementary and alternative medicine in the management of asthma.
Background
Although CAM therapies are popular with asthma sufferers, there are at present no clear guidelines for healthcare providers. This study has reviewed the literature on efficacy of CAM therapies in asthma in an effort to create a basis for such guidelines.
Methodology
Literature search.
Results
15 randomized controlled trials were isolated and analysed. They fell into the three categories of mind-body and relaxation techniques, manual therapies, and dietary interventions. Some of these CAM therapies have shown to produce minimally significant improvements in quality of life (breathing exercises), pulmonary function (relaxation), or immune function (relaxation and acupuncture). Overall there was a tendency to little or no significant effects of treatments over placebos or sham treatments. Encouraging changes in immune function were seen in two studies but they did not translate into changes in pulmonary function.
Conclusion
The authors of this rather unenthusiastic review conclude that more research is needed in order to determine the efficacy of CAM therapies in the management of asthma.
References
White-Markham A, Wilkinson JM. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the management of asthma: an examination of the evidence. The Journal of Asthma 41 (2): 131-139, Apr 2004.
